Kadcyla, a drug that can offer some women with advanced breast cancer nearly six months of extra life, which was trialled here in the North East, has for now been rejected for use in the NHS, because of its high cost.

A Newcastle doctor whose patients have been involved in the clinical trials is disappointed by the decision.

Dr Mark Verrill, from the Freeman Hospital, say the drug is revolutionary.

Former Liberty X star Michelle Heaton praised Angelina Jolie for making public her decision to have a double mastectomy.

The pop star from Gateshead had the same surgery last year.

Both women were diagnosed with faulty BRCA genes which greatly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Both opted for preventative surgery, and then both decided to go public with that decision in the hope of supporting other women.

Speaking to ITV's Daybreak, Michelle said: "It can only be a positive that the BRCA genes are being raised in the media.

"Before I was diagnosed with having the BRCA gene, I hadn't even heard of it and now those women who may not have even wanted or knew to get tested are now stepping forward and this is going to save lives."